When you trim your chia pet, put the clippings in your smoothie: Chia is a superfood

Chia seeds, which come from the plant Salvia hispanica, can be eaten as they are, or baked, or cooked, or mixed into other meals to add texture and make them more sumptuous. Endemic to the regions of southern Mexico, chia seeds are a member of the mint family and are an essential part of the ancient Mayan and Aztec diets.

The sprouts of the plant are well known as the chia pet product. The seeds of the plant, however, have become the most sought-after part. (Related: Chia Seeds: The Ancient Wisdom of the Aztecs.)

Chia seeds are so abundant in antioxidants that they don’t spoil easily — stored at room temperature, they remain good enough to eat for over two years. Antioxidants guard against damage made by free radicals. The associated damage caused by these atoms can lead to the development of cancer. Antioxidants also protect and nourish the teeth, nails, and skin.

Chia seeds are a rich fiber source – 25 grams of chia seeds give you 6.9 g of fiber – thereby making it healthy for your digestive system. You can obtain the following nutrients when you indulge in chia seeds: magnesium, manganese, copper, molybdenum, calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus, and zinc. Chia seeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health.

Chia transforms into a gel-like fixture when you add water to it and allow it to sit for around 30 minutes. This reaction also happens in the stomach during digestion, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and turn them into sugar.

Chia seeds can help one manage their weight. When they become a gel-like substance in your stomach, your gut will feel full, thereby helping you stave off hunger and extra intake of calories.

There are a lot of ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet. Here are some of the ways:

• Mix the seeds into your favorite yogurt.
• Add the seeds to cake batter to make a poppy seed-like treat.
• Lentils with chia seeds make for a great dish.
• Ground chia seeds can be added to ground beef for more texture.
• Mix chia seeds with a chocolatey jam, or ground them to a cookie mix, to enjoy a tasty sweet.
• Salads will be more interesting with chia seeds in them.
• For an added crunch to your smoothie, sprinkle it with chia seeds.
• Toast ground chia seeds and mix them with honey to glaze on a scone.

For more stories on which foods bring about the most nutrients and those which can give you the most bang for your buck, visit Superfood.news today.

Sources include:

PacificCollege.edu

MindBodyGree.com